Outdoor Swimming Pools, hot tubs and spas, containing water more than 24 inches (610 mm) in depth shall be completely surrounded by a fence or structural barrier at least 48 inches (1219 mm) in height above the finished ground level measured on the outside of the structural barrier. Some effective means must be provided to deny access to the pool, spa or hot tub when not in use or a responsible person is not in attendance. No existing pool enclosure shall be removed, replaced or changed in a manner that reduces its effectiveness as a safety barrier.
(a) Gates and doors in such structural barriers shall be self-closing and self- latching. Where the self-latching device is less than 54 inches (1372 mm) above the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the gate. Self-closing and self-latching gates shall be maintained such that the gate will positively close and latch when released from an open position of 6 inches (152 mm) from the gatepost.
(b) Where an above-ground pool structure is used as a structural barrier or where the structural barrier is mounted on the top of the pool structure and the means of access is a ladder or steps, then the ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a structural barrier or shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access.
(c) Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the structural barrier, all doors with direct access to the pool through that wall shall be equipped with an alarm which produces an audible warning when the door and its screen, if present, are opened. The alarm shall sound continuously for a minimum of thirty seconds immediately after the door is opened and be capable of being heard throughout the house during normal household activities. The alarm shall automatically reset under all conditions. The alarm shall be equipped with a manual means, such as a touchpad or switch, to temporarily deactivate the alarm for a single opening. Such deactivation shall last for not more than fifteen sounds. The deactivation switch(es) shall be located at least 54 inches (1372 mm) above the threshold of the door.
(d) Pools, spas or hot tubs which use a safety cover for a structural barrier shall comply with the American Society for Testing and Materials - F 1346 Performance Specification for safety covers.
(Ord. 1992-2. Passed 1-14-92; Ord. 2009-34. Passed 4-28-09.)